The 9th BRICS Summit, which held in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017 released ‘BRICKS Declaration 2017’. The Declaration which includes 71 points also focused on Trade Facilitation through Customs assistance from partner countries. According to the Declaration, the progress made by Customs Administrations in their cooperation on trade facilitation, security and enforcement, capacity building and other issues of mutual interest, including through a mechanism like BRICK Customs Working Group. “We encourage broad cooperation under the guiding principles of mutual sharing of information, mutual recognition of Customs control and mutual assistance in enforcement so as to boost growth and people’s welfare. In order to strengthen mutual cooperation in Customs matter we reaffirm our commitment to finalise BRICS Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement at the earliest,” says the Declaration unveiled by the BRICS leaders.

The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi at the Plenary Session of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China

Speaking at the Plenary Session of the 9th BRICS Summit Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi said, “Our interaction during the restricted session was constructive. It enriched our mutual understanding and perspectives. After more than a decade of existence, BRICS has developed a robust framework for cooperation. We contribute stability and growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty. While trade and economy have been the foundation of our cooperation, our endeavours today touch diverse areas of technology, tradition, culture, agriculture, environment, energy, sports, and ICT (Information Communication Technology).”

Mr Modi also emphasized on skill development initiatives and cooperation from BRICS what India has already started in this country. “We need to mainstream our youth in our joint initiatives as far as possible. Scaled up cooperation in skill development and exchange of best practices will be a valuable instrument. India would be happy to work towards more focused capacity building engagement between BRICS and African countries in areas of skills, health, infrastructure, manufacturing and connectivity,” he stated.